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The Xenical Story
With the exception of Xenical, all of the current prescription drugs for weight loss act on the brain to reduce appetite. You eat less, you lose weight - but at a price. In order to get to the brain, these drugs must enter the blood stream. Therefore, these drugs may have side effects (central nervous system and cardiovascular), ranging from minor to severe and are indicated only for short term use. But, most important, these drugs do little or nothing to help people change their eating habits or lifestyles. Therefore, when they stop taking the drugs, the weight is quickly regained.
Xenical, on the other hand, does not enter the blood stream, nor does it act on the brain. Xenical does not reduce appetite. It simply blocks the digestion and absorption of fat and helps you to control your fat intake.
Xenical is indicated for individuals who are obese (BMI over 30) or who are overweight (BMI between 25 and 30) and have or are at risk for any of the medical conditions which are related to their weight or body fat, such as diabetes, high cholesterol, or hypertension.
Xenical targets fat. By blocking one third of the fat you eat, you further reduce the amount of calories you eat without reducing the amount of food you eat. This makes dieting easier and far more enjoyable. By targeting fat loss, Xenical has been shown to promote weight loss, prevent subsequent weight regain and to lower health risks associated with obesity, when compared with patients on a calorie-reduced diet alone.
Xenical has none of the side effects normally associated with diet medications which act on the brain. Xenical's side effects are strictly gastrointestinal in nature and related to its action of blocking the digestion of ingested fat. Xenical blocks fat absorption. The fat that is not absorbed into the bloodstream remains in the intestine and becomes mixed with the stool. The increased fat in the stool can cause any of the following:
- gas (flatulence) - sometimes with oily spotting
- increased frequency of bowel movements
- fatty/ oily stool
How often or how quickly these effects occur will vary from person to person and will depend on how much extra fat was consumed. They can occur within hours after eating or up to a day or two later. These side effects usually occur early in treatment, last for only a short period, and disappear over time. Importantly, you can control the effects if you control your fat intake. Remember: it's not the Xenical, its the fat you eat that causes the events.
Xenical is a very safe medicine. Clinical studies have shown that Xenical does not interact with commonly used medications. There have been no cases of overdosing. In experiments, patients who took doses of Xenical many times over the recommended dose experienced no ill effects. Remember taking more Xenical gives no extra benefit.
If you skip a meal or your meal contains little fat (note: be careful of the hidden fats in many foods), there is no reason to take Xenical, although there is no harm in taking the capsule. Taking a capsule with each meal will help you to remember and avoid missing doses.
One of the major benefits of Xenical is that while you lose weight, you are changing your eating habits and lifestyle. By the time you have reached your goal, you may be able to maintain your weight through diet and exercise alone. If, however, you start to regain weight, you can safely resume taking Xenical. Xenical has been shown to be safe for up to two years of continuous use. Xenical can become part of your long-term weight maintenance program.
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All trademarks and registered trademarks are of their respective companies.
Xenical® is a registered trademark of F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd.
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